“The Jews therefore marveled, saying, ‘How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?’ So Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.’” – John 7:15-16
Though we certainly aren’t Jesus, there is a valuable lesson here for every follower of Christ. We don’t have to be as wise as God to sound wise – we simply need to speak the Word of God. Because of the power of God’s Word, we don’t have to be the smartest or best educated person in the room to speak, teach, and give advice impactfully. Indeed, some of the smartest people wind up looking ridiculous as they strain all belief and contort all logic to evade, distort, or dismiss God’s Word and wisdom.
Invest effort in knowing, speaking, and doing God’s Word. Make that effort daily and keep at it week after week, month after month, year after year. One day you’ll look up and be surprised as where you are compared to where you once were. People will marvel at your knowledge and wisdom and like Jesus you can respond, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.”